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Don't chastise senators for charter flights: Your Say

11:04 p.m. EDT August 5, 2014

Sen. Mark Warner left, talks with members of the news media after a debate in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., on July 26. He spent $8,500 on a chartered plane last year during a four-day trip across Virginia.(Photo: Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

Your recent article questioning the use of charter flights by senators reflects a disturbing ignorance of business aviation. It promotes a populist misunderstanding that does a disservice to the 1.2 million Americans who build and support these aircraft ("Senators spent $1million on charter flights last year").

The people in Wichita, Savannah, Ga., and Melbourne and Vero Beach, Fla., who build these aircraft are, sadly, lost in the rush to condemn those who use business aviation. So, too, are those at companies that build high-value components such as avionics and engines. While business aviation might be an easy target, the fact is that it is a valuable part of the U.S. manufacturing landscape.

Kathryn B. Creedy; Melbourne, Fla.

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

A propeller plane with no bathroom does not sound luxurious, and neither does traveling to attend events nearly round the clock. As a taxpayer, I am OK with two dozen U.S. senators spending nearly $1 million on charter flights. I wish them all safe travels.

— Nichelle N. Pace

People who say they have no problem with this should remember that these "events" that senators fly to in order to stay in touch with constituents are often little more than continued campaigning. It's no wonder so many members of Congress stay in office yet have low polling numbers.

Maybe their opponents should get the same taxpayer funds to compete.

— Scott Elphison

Senators' time with constituents and assured safety are more important than the cost of personal aircraft, let alone a few charters.